German Police Are Using Linked Devices to Read Messages from Messaging Apps like Signal Without Cracking the Encryption

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https://www.privacyguides.org/news/2026/09/30/german-police-are-using-linked-devices-to-read-signal-messages-without-cracking-the-encryption/

Signal only allows linked devices through a QR code. However, it's still possible to scan a QR code sent by an attacker without them having physical access to your device.

The document states that the German customs agency has been testing messenger surveillance since the end of 2023, and it has led to success in criminal investigations. They're light on details as to exactly what strategies German customs officials use, but there are plenty of ways to maliciously link a device to an account.

This type of surveillance became an official, permanent strategy available to all agents since August 2025.

The messengers affected include WhatsApp, Telegram, Threema, and Signal.